Big Names Stay Put in Crazy NBA Trade Deadline

After weeks of speculation suggesting that it might be a quiet 2018 trade deadline, we got an eventful day in terms of deals completed. NBA teams agreed to 12 trades on Feb. 8, after four others had been finalized in the 10 days leading up to the deadline.

January 29, The Los Angeles Clippers shook up the NBA on Monday Night, just over a week before the league’s annual trade deadline, by swinging a blockbuster deal to send the face of their franchise centerpiece, Blake Griffin, to the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons also acquired role players in center Willie Reed and guard Brice Johnson who sees most of his time in the G League. In return, the Pistons acquired Clippers acquire Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley, Boban Marjanovic, the Pistons’ 2018 first-round pick (top-4 protected), and a 2019 second-round pick. They got younger and a great defensive player in Avery Bradley who will help Lou Williams and Deondre Jordan.

After months of drama, Griffin is finally out. Him and Drummond have the potential to be the best front court in the league. Photo gathered by Dani Salame.

The second-tier basketball organization in the city of glamour has been exceeding expectations after losing their star point guard Chris Paul. With a record 26-25, Lou Williams stepped up big time becoming one of this year’s biggest all-star snubs. Averaging 23.2 points per game, Lou went to twitter to express his thoughts on not making it. “Lol” he tweeted. Lou thought it was funny, asking himself what even is an all-star anymore. Just a big name or the payers with the best stats in the league?

Alex Kelly, a Woodstock junior had this to say about the second tier Los Angeles team. “The Clippers are a mess and I think it is time for Doc Rivers to move on. He hasn’t done anything for the organization. He’s let his two players leave after not producing for years of having a great roster.”

February 1, The Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans made a trade that would help the Boogieless Pelicans after going down with a torn achilles. Pelicans acquire Nikola Mirotic and their own 2018 second-round pick (previously sent to Bulls). While the Bulls acquired Omer Asik, Tony Allen, Jameer Nelson, the Pelicans’ 2018 first-round pick (top-5 protected), and the right to swap 2021 second-round picks with the Pelicans.

“It was such a shame to see Boogie go down. I was hoping to see them in the playoffs when things get physical and those big men go to work. Mirotic is a great shooter and is going to ease the load for Anthony Davis.” Said Johnny McDowell, a Woodstock junior.

February 5, The Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks swapped players and a couple draft picks. Bucks acquired Tyler Zeller. While the Nets acquired Rashad Vaughn and the Bucks’ 2018 second-round pick (if it falls between 31-47.

On the day before the deadline, Feb. 7, the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks made a deal sending Willy Hernangomez to the Knicks while the Hornets acquired Johnny O’Bryant, the Hornets 2020 second-round pick, and the Hornets’ 2021 second-round pick.

On Feb. 8, trades began to pick up steam and teams began to make their respective moves to fix the problems they’ve had after the first half of the year. Around the league, panic to make the playoffs propelled teams to make last second moves of desperation. The struggling Cleveland Cavaliers reassembled almost their whole entire roster and brought in contributing players. Hoping to swing the momentum of the team forward after an awful and shocking beginning of the year.

Jordan Clarkson is going to add a bunch of scoring off the bench. He adds youth and energy to and old team. I think Jordan is going to help the Cavaliers a lot in the playoffs. Photo gathered by Dani Salame.

Just a short while before 3:00pm hit the clock at the deadline, The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired acquired Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. from the Los Angeles Lakers for Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye and Cleveland’s 2018 first-round pick.Larry Nance Jr. Is the son of a former Cavaliers star whose jersey is retired at the Q. The cavs declared that Nance was going to be allowed to wear his dad’s jerseys. Photo gathered by Dani Salame.

Thomas was not a fit on the court or in the locker room. Despite just a handful of games played, he has been outspoken about Cleveland’s problems, saying when things go bad players go their separate ways.

“They were in panic mode. The Cavs had to change something up if they wanted even a shot at Lebron James coming back home again this summer.” Said Evan Donnely, a huge Big Baller Brand fan and Woodstock senior.

What did this trade mean for the Los Angeles Lakers? They got rid of very talented young players, but the Lakers want to win big and soon. They cleared cap space making room for two big name free agents this upcoming summer. Not only big names but two max contracts guys that can lead this historic franchise to the championship once again. Players like Lebron James, Paul George, Kawai Leonard and Klay Thompson are the free agents Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka are hoping for. Isiah Thomas caused so much drama in the Cavs locker room. Always pointing the finger at someone else and not admitting that he could be part of the problem. It was time for his to get moved in such a short period of time. Photo gathered by Dani Salame.

I think the biggest shock of the day was the Cavs and Miami Heat making a deal to send Dwyane Wade back home. They mayor of Miami is what they call him. ‘Wade County’ and Mr. 305 is finally back home saying that this is it for him. He was going to finish his career in what was home to him for 13 seasons before leaving for Chicago. Dwyane Wade tweeted that he missed Miami and he was had chills thinking about being announced back in the Miami started lineup in American Airlines Arena. Photo gathered by Dani Salame.

“I couldn’t be happier to have Dwade back home. I missed him so much. Miami hasn’t been the same since he left. I think he missed us too.” Justo Elortondo, a huge Miami Heat fan and Woodstock alum of the graduating class of year 2016.

Other trades that happened on February 8 was the heat acquiring Luke Babbit from the Hawks for Okaro White. The Magic starting point guard got shipped to Phoenix draft picks.

Although no huge names were dealt this deadline, this year was full of excitement and story lines that will change the landscape of the league. The Pistons bettered their front court adding Blake Griffin and taking him out of a horrible situation in Los Angeles. The Heat got their franchise player back and finally got the closer they needed to put close games away. The Cavaliers got rid of a horrible fit in Isaiah Thomas. Props to them for realizing they made a mistake in the Irving trade and moving on. The NBA has been full of drama, and this deadline only made things more interesting.